Volunteer on May 6th and be a part of this exciting statewide event to celebrate and enhance New York's state parks and historic sites and bring visibility to the entire state park system.

Project Description: Trash and Debris pick up in Robert Moses State Park and on The Nature Center's trails in Massena.

There will be raffles throughout the day and refreshments available.

Dress for the weather and remember: you're going to get dirty!

Did you know that there is a National Teddy Bear Picnic Day? The Friends of the Robert Moses State Park Nature Center, Inc. are hosting a teddy bear picnic/campfire cookout to celebrate the event on Saturday, July 5th from noon – 2pm. Bring your favorite stuffed Teddy and enjoy hot dogs (vegetarian options available), juice and a delicious dessert – that you can cook right over our outdoor fire pit. Teddy bear games and activities are also planned. Take a short walk along the beautiful paved trail while you're here, and check out the outdoor classroom.

Create a delicious dessert over an outdoor fire pit from 6:30pm – 8pm. For a $1 donation, participants of all ages can make a tasty treat that they cook themselves at the Nature Center. Then, at 7:30pm, learn all about the stars of the night sky. Take a guided walk under the twinkling Massena sky-scape and Join local star gazer, Bruce McClure as he leads this star walk. It’s a great way to learn about the constellations, and share a fun experience with others. Also, don’t miss this chance to speak with Bruce, who is a columnist for EarthSky! What a great way to wrap up the summer.

Be the first to register for a Pastel Painting workshop lead by West Potsdam artist Becky Harblin on Saturday, September 7th from 10am – noon. After years of sculpting, painting, weaving and writing poetry (including a recently published book called, Eating the Bread of This World), Becky has found a love for pastels. She will bring this love into practice at the Nature Center, as she teaches how to use pastels. Participants will be using portable easels out in nature to create their own unique art. Becky brings a diverse outlook to her art.

Saturday and Sunday (Aug 10 & 11th) both from 2 – 4pm. Join North Country Artist, Sandra Taylor Hedges, for a mixed media workshop using acrylic paints and other media to create beautiful works of art. Sandra is a Graduate with Distinction from St. Lawrence College’s Fine Arts Program and recipient of the Academic Council Award for highest proficiency of her graduating class. She has been teaching painting and sculpting for over 17 years both privately and with other organizations. For the past 6 years, she has also taught at her studio which is now in Cornwall, Ontario.

Go for a walking meditation along the wooded nature trails. This month’s meditation is great for those who feel more comfortable staying active, or as a beautiful addition to standard meditation. Join the Nature Center staff for a guided excursion workshop to deeply connect you with nature. Meet at the trailhead by the big white tent. Call (315) 705-5022 or email ncrebirth@yahoo.com to sign up.

The Friends of the Nature Center at Robert Moses State Park, Inc. announce an outdoor yoga class just for kids. From a cocoon to a butterfly, learn to spread your wings and fly. This yoga class is created specifically for young people with games of “Red Light, Green Light” and “Freeze Tag.” Join the Nature Center staff as they lead this fun and creative workshop on Saturday, Aug 10th from 10am – 11am. Participants are asked to dress for comfort. Yoga mats are provided. No experience necessary. Parents are welcome to join.

The Friends of the Nature Center at Robert Moses State Park, Inc. announce a monthly trail “Walking Club,” which meets on Saturday, August 3rd at 9am. The Walking Club is for anyone who wants to shed a few pounds or work on fitness. Monthly walks will last roughly an hour through the nature trails. Pedometers will be available to use on site. Meet at the trailhead at 9am, 19 Robinson Bay Rd., Massena, NY 13662. Call (315) 705-5022 or email ncrebirth@yahoo.com for more info.

Create a delicious dessert over our outdoor fire pit in the beauty of nature. On Saturday, July 27th at 6:30pm, you can make “Cake in an Orange” – one of the Massena Nature Center’s favorites. Then, at 7pm, visitors of all ages can learn the art of hand drumming. Join Friends of the Robert Moses Nature Center staff and company as they lead this fun and interactive workshop on the art of hand drumming. The act of drumming requires that you use both the right and left side of the brain – stimulating analytical thinking and creative expression at the same time.

Learn the ancient healing art of Reiki in the beauty of nature. Join Reiki Master, Suzan McDermott, as she leads this introductory class outdoors at the Massena Nature Center. Reiki is a technique anyone can learn, and doesn't require any particular skill set. Yoga mats or chairs are provided for this free workshops. Please call to pre-register (315) 705-5022, or email ncrebirth@yahoo.com. Meet by the Nature Center trailhead.